Biodegradation of Ochratoxin A for Food and Feed Decontamination

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important mycotoxins that is found in food and feed products. It has proven toxic properties, being primarily known for its nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity to certain animal species. OTA is produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium that can be found in a wide variety of agricultural products, which makes the presence of OTA in these products common. Many countries have statutory limits for OTA, and concentrations need to be reduced to as low as technologically possible in food and feed. The most important measures to be taken to control OTA are preventive in order to avoid fungal growth and OTA production. However, these measures are difficult to implement in all cases with the consequence of OTA remaining in agricultural commodities. Remediation processes are often used to eliminate, reduce or avoid the toxic effects of OTA. Biological methods have been considered increasingly as an alternative to physical and chemical treatments. However, examples of practical applications are infrequent. This review will focus on the (i) known microorganisms and enzymes that are able to biodegrade OTA; (ii) mode of action of biodegradation and (iii) current applications. A critical discussion about the technical applicability of these strategies is presented.

Carcinogen Role of Food by Mycotoxins and Knowledge Gap

“…(Fig. 5), is a mycotoxin produced by several strains of Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and it is generally associated with a variety of products, such as cereals, coffee beans, cocoa beans, and dried fruit (Abrunhosa et al, 2010;Aragua´s et al, 2005;Juan et. al., 2008).…”

“…Studies have not completely identified so far the mechanism nor the extent of the carcinogenic potential of OTA in humans; therefore, OTA is classified by IARC as possible carcinogen (Group 2B) (Abrunhosa et al, 2010).…”

“…Some scientist have shown that the DNA lesions (on dG exclusively) induced by OTA in vivo exposure were no longer repaired in case of repeated exposure; these lesions could then be proposed as a marker of exposure in populations at risk (Creppy, 2002;Abrunhosa et al, 2010).…”

“…Oxidative DNA damage induced by direct oxidation of DNA constituents or through oxidative stress has been implicated in renal tumor formation and it represents the most accepted theory in current literature (Mally & Dekant, 2009;Abrunhosa et al, 2010).…”

“…OTA toxicity has been intensively studied (Mally & Dekant, 2009;Abrunhosa et al, 2010); the kidney is the target of OTA toxicity in all animal species exposed to this mycotoxin.…”